Diocese gears up for World Youth Day

Teens between 16 and 17 who want to participate in a two-day pilgrimage to the World Youth Day Papal Mass must register by March 1. Young adults between 18 and 39 who wish to attend the week-long World Youth Day celebration must register by March 29.

The two pilgrimages are being organized by the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis (OEC).

Global event

The other international gatherings with the Pope have taken place in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Czestochowa, Poland; Denver, Colorado; Manila, Philippines; Paris, France; and Rome, Italy.

The week-long Toronto event, July 22-28, includes opportunities for catechesis, liturgy, prayer, service and celebration. The highlight is an outdoor Papal Mass with Pope John Paul.

Special event

"This is an opportunity to rub elbows with people from around the world who share the same faith," she said. "Those who attended World Youth Day in Denver continue to tell me that it was a pivotal point in their faith life."

More than 1.6 million people from 150 countries attended the last World Youth Day, held in Rome. Similar attendance is expected in Toronto.

For whom?

In other countries, the word "youth" describes those between 21 and 39, she said. It is only in the United States that teenagers are considered youth.

With the bulk of those in attendance out of their teens, the catechetical sessions are designed for young adults. Mrs. Pickel said the sessions will help young adults as they try to find God in their lives, try to bring God into their work and take their faith into the 21st century.

Sept. 11

Organizers have kept those attacks in the front of their minds for other reasons as well. According to the official World Youth Day website, "Now more than ever, the world needs events such as WYD: a light in a time of darkness. WYD will bring together youth from around the world in a spirit of solidarity and peace. WYD organizers are taking all appropriate measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for pilgrims."

Mrs. Pickel recently met with organizers in Toronto and was moved by their concern for the young adults of New York State. The organizers asked that the delegation from New York participate in the living Stations of the Cross on July 26. That event, which will take place in front of the U.S. Embassy in Toronto, will reflect on the devastation that occurred at the World Trade Center.

(Those wanting to learn more about World Youth Day pilgrimage can attend information meetings across the Diocese: Feb. 10, 2 p.m., at the Pastoral Center, Albany; Feb. 12, 7 p.m., at the Church of the Annunciation, Queensbury; and Feb. 25, 7 p.m., at St. Mary's Church, Cooperstown. Call the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis at 453-6630 for additional information.)

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